We Cryptids

by Vivian Caethe (Editor), R.R. Virdi, Curtis Craddock

Cryptids have long haunted our imaginations and folklore. Yetis, werewolves, the fae, the mothman, selkies and more all feature in the stories we tell ourselves to inspire wonder and mystery. By living on the borders of society, at the edges of the map marked "here be dragons", cryptids exist in the liminal spaces between fact and fiction. We Cryptids invites you to consider what would happen if cryptids existed and lived among us. Would they be our neighbors, or would their children be barred from our schools? Would they be viewed as burdens to society, or benefits? Could they "pass" as human, but still be liable to being fired if anyone found out? How would they survive and thrive in a world that doesn't believe in them and fears those who are different?These twelve stories, although metaphors for serious and often deadly societal problems, are intended to inspire you to look at the world differently and perhaps understand others a little better. Even though the theme may be serious, these aren't stories of despair. The characters live on the margins of society, but their experiences are not hopeless. Even as cryptids, they have strength, perseverance, and hope.

220 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2021

About the author

Vivian Caethe's short stories and novellas have appeared in a variety of magazines and several anthologies, notably Bellows of the BOne Box and Crime Net. Inspired by growing up in the Land of Enchantment, she has been writing science fiction and fantasy since she was twelve. A double major in sociology and psychology, she writes speculative fiction in the constant search of “What if?”

In her spare time, she reads, knits, cross-stitches, and plays video games. An avid reader and an equally avid tea drinker, she lives in Colorado with her husband.

Her novella "The Diamond City" is published by Bold Strokes Books.

Reviews

[troy spry]

Different ideas

Like most anthologies some stories were great, some were passable and others had the promise of better things. I enjoyed this type of book to use as a sampler.